JP7124978B2 - Thermal transfer sheet, discolored print, and method for producing discolored print - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a thermal transfer sheet, a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium, a thermal transfer print, a method for producing a thermal transfer print, a discolorable print, and a method for producing a discolorable print.

2. Description of the Related Art Various thermal transfer methods are employed as methods for producing prints. For example, there is known a method of forming a thermal transfer image on a transfer target using a fusion thermal transfer method or a sublimation thermal transfer method.

Various measures have been taken to prevent the image formed on the transferred material from being changed in conventional printed matter. However, in recent years, as the use of printed materials has expanded, printed materials having various functions and characteristics have been demanded. Further, in recent years, there has been a demand for a printed matter having a smooth surface and excellent two-dimensional design.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal transfer sheet and a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium that can discolor or decolor an image and can produce a thermal transfer printed matter with excellent design. do.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal transfer print which is capable of discoloring or erasing an image and has excellent design properties, and a method for producing the thermal transfer print.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a discolored or decolored printed image with excellent design properties, and a method for producing the discolored and decolored printed matter.

The present disclosure is a thermal transfer sheet comprising a base material and a sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer provided on one side of the base material,
The sublimation transfer type discoloration-imparting layer is a thermal transfer sheet containing at least a discoloration-discoloration compound and a binder resin.

The present disclosure is a thermal transfer printed matter comprising a transfer material, a general image, and an image imparted with sublimation transfer color change and erasure,
The sublimation transfer color-changeable image is a thermal transfer print in which the image is in contact with at least a part of the general image and contains a color-changeable and erasable compound.

The present disclosure provides a method for producing the thermal transfer print,
a step of preparing the thermal transfer sheet and the object to be transferred;
a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color change-and-decoloration image on a transfer material so that the general image and the sublimation transfer color change-and-color change image are in contact with each other;
including
A method for producing a thermal transfer print, wherein a sublimation transfer color change/erasable image is formed from a sublimation transfer color change/erasure layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

The present disclosure is a discolorable and decolorable printed material comprising a transfer material and a discolorable and decolorable portion,
The discoloration/discoloration printed matter includes a discoloration/discoloration portion containing a reaction product of a coloring material and a discoloration/discoloration compound.

The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing the above-described discolorable printed matter,
a step of preparing the thermal transfer print;
A light irradiation step of irradiating a light beam of a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time from the side of the general image and sublimation transfer color change-and-decoloration imparted image of the thermal transfer printed matter to change the color and color of the general image;
A method for producing a discolored printed matter, comprising:

The present disclosure is a combination of the above thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium,
an intermediate transfer medium comprising at least a substrate and a retransfer layer;
A retransfer layer is a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium comprising at least a receiving layer.

The present disclosure is a thermal transfer printed material comprising a material to be transferred and a retransfer layer,
The retransfer layer comprises at least a receiving layer, a general image, and a sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image,
The sublimation transfer color-changeable image is a thermal transfer print in which the image is in contact with at least a part of the general image and contains a color-changeable and erasable compound.

The present disclosure provides a method for producing the thermal transfer print,
preparing a combination of the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium, and a transfer-receiving material;
a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color changeable and decolorable image on a receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium so that the general image and the sublimation transfer color changeable and decolorable image are in contact with each other;
a step of transferring a retransfer layer comprising at least a receiving layer, a general image, and an image imparted with sublimation transfer color change and erasure to a transfer material;
including
A method for producing a thermal transfer print, wherein a sublimation transfer color change/erasable image is formed from a sublimation transfer color change/erasure layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

The present disclosure is a discolorable printed material comprising a transfer material and a discolorable and decolorable retransfer layer,
The discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer includes at least a receiving layer and a discoloration/discoloration portion,
The discoloration/discoloration printed matter includes a discoloration/discoloration portion containing a reaction product of a coloring material and a discoloration/discoloration compound.

The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing the above-described discolorable printed matter,
a step of preparing the thermal transfer print;
A light irradiation step of irradiating a light beam of a predetermined intensity from the retransfer layer side of the thermal transfer print for a predetermined time to change the color of the general image;
A method for producing a discolored printed matter, comprising:

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal transfer sheet and a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium that can discolor or decolor an image and produce a thermal transfer printed matter with excellent design.
Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal transfer print which is capable of discoloring or erasing an image and has excellent design properties, and a method for producing the thermal transfer print.
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a discolored or decolored printed image with excellent design properties, and a method for producing the discolored and decolored printed matter.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view representing one embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view representing one embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view representing one embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view representing one embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view representing one embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view representing one embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium combination of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a thermal transfer printed matter of a first form; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a color-changing printed matter of the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a color-changing printed matter of the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a color-changing printed matter of the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a color-changing printed matter of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an embodiment of the method for producing a color-changing printed matter of the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a second form of thermal transfer print. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a second form of color-changing printed matter. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a second form of color-changing printed matter. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a second form of color-changing printed matter. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a second form of color-changing printed matter. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an embodiment of a method for producing a color-changing printed matter of the second embodiment;

[Thermal transfer sheet]
A thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure includes a base material and a sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer provided on one surface of the base material. As a result, it is possible to discolor or decolor a general image, and to obtain a thermal transfer printed matter excellent in design.
The thermal transfer sheet may be provided with a coloring material layer so as to be in frame sequential order with the sublimation transfer type color change/erasure imparting layer.

The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a base material 11, a coloring material layer 12 and a sublimation transfer type change color imparting layer 13 which are provided face-sequentially on one surface of the base material 11. And prepare.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a base material 11, a coloring material layer 12 and a sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer 13 which are sequentially provided on one surface of the base material 11. And prepare. As shown in FIG. 2, in the coloring material layer 12, a plurality of coloring material layers 12 are provided in a frame-sequential manner.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a base material 11, a coloring material layer 12a provided face-sequentially on one surface of the base material 11, and a sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer 13. and a coloring material layer 12b. In the colorant layer 12a and/or the colorant layer 12b, a plurality of colorant layers 12a and colorant layers 12b may be provided in a frame-sequential manner (not shown).

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a base material 11, a coloring material layer 12 provided face-sequentially on one surface of the base material 11, and a sublimation transfer type change color imparting layer 13. and a protective layer 14 . The coloring material layer 12, the sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing layer 13, and the protective layer 14 may be provided in the order of the coloring material layer 12, the sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing layer 13, and the protective layer 14 (FIG. 4). ), the sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer 13, the coloring material layer 12, and the protective layer 14 (not shown). In the colorant layer 12, a plurality of colorant layers 12 may be provided in a frame-sequential manner (not shown).

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a base material 11, a coloring material layer 12a provided face-sequentially on one surface of the base material 11, and a sublimation transfer type change color imparting layer 13. , a colorant layer 12 b and a protective layer 14 . In the colorant layer 12a and/or the colorant layer 12b, a plurality of colorant layers 12a and colorant layers 12b may be provided in a frame-sequential manner (not shown).

The thermal transfer sheet 10 may include a release layer (not shown) between the substrate 11 and the colorant layer 12 and/or protective layer 14 .
The thermal transfer sheet 10 may include a primer layer (not shown) between the base material 11 and the coloring material layer 12 and/or the sublimation transfer type discoloration imparting layer 13 .
The thermal transfer sheet 10 may include a release layer (not shown) between the substrate 11 and at least one layer selected from the colorant layer 12, the protective layer 14, and the release layer.
The thermal transfer sheet 10 may be provided with a back layer (not shown) on the side of the substrate 11 opposite to the side on which the coloring layer 12 and the sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer 13 are provided.
The sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer 13 may be provided on the entire surface or part of the protective layer 14 .

The layer structure of the thermal transfer sheet 10 can be appropriately combined.

Each layer that the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure may have will be described below.

<Base material>
The base material of the thermal transfer sheet has heat resistance to thermal energy applied during thermal transfer, and mechanical strength and solvent resistance that can support each layer provided on the base material.

As the substrate of the thermal transfer sheet, a film made of a resin material (hereinafter simply referred to as "resin film") can be used. Examples of resin materials include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), 1,4-polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, and terephthalic acid-cyclohexanedimethanol-ethylene glycol copolymer. polyesters such as nylon 6 and polyamides such as nylon 6,6, polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polymethylpentene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-acetic acid Vinyl copolymers, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl butyral and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), (meth)acrylic resins such as polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and polymethyl methacrylate, imide resins such as polyimide and polyetherimide, cellophane, cellulose acetate, Cellulose resins such as nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), styrene resins such as polystyrene (PS), polycarbonates, and ionomer resins.
Among the above resins, polyesters such as PET and PEN are preferable, and PET is particularly preferable, from the viewpoint of heat resistance and mechanical strength.
In the present disclosure, "(meth)acryl" means to include both "acryl" and "methacryl". "(Meth)acrylate" is meant to include both "acrylate" and "methacrylate".

A laminate of the resin films described above can also be used as the substrate. A laminate of resin films can be produced using a dry lamination method, a wet lamination method, an extrusion method, or the like.

When the substrate of the thermal transfer sheet is a resin film, the resin film may be a stretched film or an unstretched film. Stretched films are preferred.

The thickness of the base material of the thermal transfer sheet is preferably 2 μm or more and 25 μm or less, more preferably 3 μm or more and 16 μm or less. Thereby, the mechanical strength of the substrate and the transmission of thermal energy during thermal transfer can be improved.

<Sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer>
The sublimation transfer type discoloration-imparting layer contains at least a discoloration-discoloration compound and a binder. The application of energy sublimates or diffuses the decolorizing compound, which is then transferred to the material to be transferred or the receiving layer. Since the discoloration-erasable compound has sublimation or diffusibility, unevenness on the surface of the thermal transfer print can be suppressed, and a thermal transfer print with excellent design can be obtained. Since the amount of sublimation transfer of the sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer can be adjusted by the printing energy, the degree of discoloring or decoloring of the image can be easily adjusted.

The sublimation transfer type discoloration-imparting layer is a layer containing a discoloration-discoloration compound. The color change/discoloration compound contained in the sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer is a compound having sublimability or diffusibility and a function of discoloring or decoloring an image. Mechanisms for discoloring or decoloring an image include, for example, reaction between a discoloring/decoloring compound and a component such as a coloring material contained in the image, and initiation of the reaction of the component of the image. The reaction includes, for example, decomposition, destruction and polymerization of the component. When the sublimation transfer type color-changing and erasing imparting layer contains a color-changing and erasing compound, the image of the thermal transfer print can be discolored or decolored.

The discoloring/decoloring compound is preferably a compound that reacts with an image component or initiates a reaction upon exposure to light. The discoloration-erasing compound is more preferably an acid-generating material capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with light. A nonionic acid generator is more preferable because it has excellent sublimability or diffusibility and good sublimation transferability.
Examples of nonionic acid generators include monoazine compounds, azine compounds such as diazine compounds and triazine compounds, halogen-containing compounds, carbamate compounds, and the like. The nonionic acid generator is preferably a triazine compound, more preferably a halogen-containing triazine compound.
"Light irradiation" may be, for example, sunlight, fluorescent lamp, or xenon lamp irradiation.

The molecular weight of the color-changing compound is preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 100 or more and 800 or less, and still more preferably 200 or more and 600 or less. As a result, the transferability of the sublimation transfer type color-changing/discoloring imparting layer can be further improved.

The solid content of the color-changing compound in the sublimation-transfer color-changing/erasing layer is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less with respect to all components contained in the sublimation-transfer-type color-changing/erasing layer. , more preferably 15% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less, and still more preferably 25% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less. As a result, the discoloration and decoloring properties of the thermal transfer print can be further improved.

The sublimation transfer type color-changing/erasing imparting layer contains at least one binder. Examples of binders contained in the sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer include polyolefins, vinyl resins, vinyl acetal resins, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, polyesters, epoxy resins, polyamides, polycarbonates, styrene resins, polyurethanes, phenoxy resins, Examples include resins and ionomer resins.

The content of the resin material in the sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass, based on the total components contained in the sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparting layer. % by mass or more and 85% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less. As a result, the discoloration and decoloring properties of the thermal transfer print can be further improved.

The sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer may contain an additive. Additives include, for example, fillers, plasticizers, antistatic agents, ultraviolet absorbers, inorganic particles, metal particles, release agents, and dispersing agents.

The thickness of the sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer is preferably 0.2 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.4 μm or more and 5 μm or less. As a result, the discoloration and decoloring properties of the thermal transfer print can be further improved.

For the sublimation transfer type color change-imparting layer, the above materials are dispersed or dissolved in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, which is applied onto a substrate or a primer layer or the like to form a coating film. It can be formed by drying. Known means such as roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, bar coating or rod coating can be used as coating means.

<Color material layer>
A coloring material layer is a layer used to form a general image. The colorant layer may be a sublimation transfer colorant layer to which a sublimation dye contained in the colorant layer is transferred, or a melt transfer colorant layer to which the colorant layer itself is transferred. good. The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure may comprise both a sublimation transfer colorant layer and a melt transfer colorant layer.

The coloring material layer contains at least one coloring material. The colorant contained in the colorant layer may be a pigment or a dye. The dye may be a sublimable dye.
Examples of pigments include carbon black, acetylene black, lamp black, black smoke, iron black, aniline black, silica, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, cadmium red, cadmopon red, chrome red, vermilion, red iron oxide, azo pigments, and alizarin. Lake, quinacridone, cochinyl lake perylene, yellow ocher, aureolin, cadmium yellow, cadmium orange, chrome yellow, zinc yellow, naples yellow, nickel yellow, azo pigment, greenish yellow, ultramarine, rock ultramarine, cobalt, phthalocyanine, Anthraquinone, indicoid, cinnabar green, cadmium green, chrome green, phthalocyanine, azomethine, perylene and aluminum pigments.
Dyes include diarylmethane dyes, triarylmethane dyes, thiazole dyes, merocyanine dyes, pyrazolone dyes, methine dyes, indoaniline dyes, acetophenone azomethine dyes, pyrazoloazomethine dyes, xanthene dyes, oxazine dyes, thiazine dyes, azine dyes, Examples include acridine dyes, azo dyes, spiropyran dyes, indolinospiropyran dyes, fluoran dyes, naphthoquinone dyes, anthraquinone dyes and quinophthalone dyes.

The colorant layer may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the colorant layer include polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, vinyl resins, vinyl acetal resins, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, styrene resins, polycarbonates, phenoxy resins and ionomer resins.

The coloring material layer may contain the above additive.

The thickness of the coloring material layer is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less.

The coloring material layer is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, and applying it on the substrate, release layer, primer layer, release layer, etc. by the above coating means. It can be formed by forming a film and drying it.

<Protective layer>
The protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet is the layer that is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet onto the intermediate transfer medium or onto the thermal transfer print. By providing the thermal transfer sheet with a protective layer, the image of the thermal transfer print can be protected.

The protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the protective layer include (meth)acrylic resins, polyesters, cellulose resins, styrene resins, polyamides, vinyl resins, polycarbonates, silicone resins, hydroxyl group-containing resins, thermosetting resins and actinic ray-curable resins. is mentioned.

The content of the resin material in the protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet is, for example, 50% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less.

The protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet may contain the above additives.

The thickness of the protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet is, for example, 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

The protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, and applying the coating liquid onto the substrate, release layer or release layer by the coating means described above. can be formed by forming and drying.

<Release layer>
The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet is a layer that is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet onto an intermediate transfer medium or onto a thermal transfer print. By providing the release layer in the thermal transfer sheet, it is possible to improve the transferability of the melt transfer type colorant layer and the protective layer positioned on the release layer.

The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the release layer include polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, vinyl resins, (meth)acrylic resins, imide resins, cellulose resins, styrene resins, polycarbonates, and ionomer resins. From the viewpoint of transferability, the release layer preferably contains a (meth)acrylic resin, and more preferably contains polymethyl methacrylate.

The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet may contain the release material described below and the additives described above.

The thickness of the release layer of the thermal transfer sheet is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less.

The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating solution, and applying the coating solution on the base material or the release layer by the above coating means to form a coating film. , can be formed by drying it.

<Primer layer>
The primer layer is a layer that remains on the substrate during thermal transfer of the thermal transfer sheet. Adhesion between arbitrary layers can be improved by providing the thermal transfer sheet with a primer layer.
The thermal transfer sheet preferably has a primer layer between the base material and the sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer. When the colorant layer is a sublimation transfer type layer, the thermal transfer sheet preferably has a primer layer between the substrate and the colorant layer.

The primer layer may contain at least one resin material. Examples of the resin material contained in the primer layer include polyester, vinyl resins such as PVA and PVP, polyurethane, (meth)acrylic resin, polyamide, polyether, styrene resin and cellulose resin.

The primer layer may contain the above additives.

The thickness of the primer layer is, for example, 0.05 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less.

The primer layer is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating solution, applying the coating solution onto a base material or the like by the coating means described above to form a coating film, and drying the coating solution. can be formed.

<Release layer>
The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet is a layer provided between the substrate and the coloring material layer, the protective layer, the release layer, and the like, and is a layer that stays on the substrate during thermal transfer of the thermal transfer sheet. Transferability can be improved by providing the thermal transfer sheet with a release layer.

The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the release layer include (meth)acrylic resins, polyurethanes, acetal resins, polyamides, polyesters, melamine resins, polyol resins, cellulose resins and silicone resins.

The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet may contain at least one release material. Examples of release materials include fluorine compounds, phosphoric acid ester compounds, silicone oils, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, waxes such as paraffin wax, and the like.

The content of the release material in the release layer of the thermal transfer sheet is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less. Thereby, the transferability of each layer can be further improved.

The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet may contain the above additives.

The thickness of the release layer of the thermal transfer sheet is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less.

The release layer of the thermal transfer sheet is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid onto a base material or the like by the coating means described above to form a coating film. It can be formed by drying.

<Back layer>
The back layer is provided on the side of the base material opposite to the side on which the sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer is provided. As a result, sticking and wrinkles due to heating during thermal transfer can be prevented.

The back layer may comprise at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the back layer include vinyl resins, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, (meth)acrylic resins, polyolefins, polyurethanes, cellulose resins, and phenolic resins.

The backing layer may contain at least one isocyanate compound. The isocyanate composition contained in the back layer includes, for example, xylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and the like.

The back layer may contain the release material and the additive.

The thickness of the back layer is, for example, 0.01 μm or more and 3.0 μm or less.

The back layer is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, applying it on the base material by the above coating means to form a coating film, and drying it. can.

[Combination of Thermal Transfer Sheet and Intermediate Transfer Medium]
A thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium combination according to the present disclosure is a thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium combination according to the present disclosure. The combination of the present disclosure comprises an intermediate transfer medium comprising at least a substrate and a retransfer layer, wherein the retransfer layer comprises at least a receiving layer.
In the combination of the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure, the "base material", the "release layer", the "protective layer", and the "release layer" included in the thermal transfer sheet are respectively referred to as the "first base material", "First release layer", "first protective layer", and "first release layer" may also be referred to as "substrate", "release layer", "protective layer", and "substrate" included in the intermediate transfer medium. The "release layer" may be referred to respectively as a "second substrate," a "second release layer," a "second protective layer," and a "second release layer."

The combinations of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the figures.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a combined thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium 30 comprises a thermal transfer sheet 10 and an intermediate transfer medium 40 . The thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a first substrate 11 and a sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer 13 provided on one side of the substrate 11 . The intermediate transfer medium 40 includes a second substrate 41 and a retransfer layer 42 (receiving layer 43).

Intermediate transfer medium 40 may comprise a second release layer (not shown) between second substrate 41 and retransfer layer 42 .
The retransfer layer 42 of the intermediate transfer medium 40 may comprise a second release layer and a receptive layer 43, the second release layer being provided between the second substrate 41 and the receptive layer 43. (not shown).
The retransfer layer 42 of the intermediate transfer medium 40 may comprise a second protective layer and a receptive layer 43, the second protective layer being provided between the second substrate 41 and the receptive layer 43. (not shown).
The retransfer layer 42 of the intermediate transfer medium 40 may comprise, in order, a second release layer, a second protective layer, and a receiving layer 43, wherein the second release layer and the second protective layer are formed on the second substrate. 41 and the receiving layer 43 (not shown).

The layer configurations of the above combination 40 can be combined as appropriate.

Each layer that can be included in the intermediate transfer media that make up the combinations of the present disclosure is described below. The thermal transfer sheets that make up the combination of the present disclosure have been described above and will not be described here.

<Second base material>
The second base material has heat resistance to heat energy applied during thermal transfer of the intermediate transfer medium, and has mechanical strength and solvent resistance capable of supporting the retransfer layer and the like provided on the second base material.

The material used for the first base material can be appropriately selected and used for the second base material.

The thickness of the second base material is, for example, 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

<Retransfer layer>
The retransfer layer of the disclosed combination is a layer that includes at least the receiving layer. A retransfer layer is a layer that is transferred from an intermediate transfer medium by heating.
The retransfer layer of the disclosed combination may comprise a second release layer between the substrate and the receiving layer.
The retransfer layer of the disclosed combination may comprise a second protective layer between the substrate or second release layer and the receiving layer.

(receptive layer)
The receiving layer of the combination of the present disclosure is the layer on which the general image and/or the sublimation transfer type color erasable image is formed.

The receiving layer of the disclosed combination may comprise at least one resinous material. Examples of the resin material contained in the receiving layer include polyolefin, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, styrene resins, epoxies. Examples include resins, polyurethanes and ionomer resins.

The content of the resin material in the receiving layer of the combination of the present disclosure is preferably 80% by mass or more and 99.5% by mass or less, more preferably 85% by mass or more and 99% by mass, based on all components contained in the receiving layer. % or less.

The receiving layer of the combinations of the present disclosure may include the additives described above.

The thickness of the receiving layer of the combination of the present disclosure is preferably 0.5 μm to 20 μm, more preferably 1 μm to 10 μm.

The receptive layer of the combination of the present disclosure is prepared by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, and applying the above coating means to the second substrate, the second release layer, the second release layer or It can be formed by applying it on the second protective layer or the like to form a coating film and drying it.

(Second release layer)
The second release layer is a layer that is transferred from the intermediate transfer medium onto the transfer-receiving material. By including the second release layer in the intermediate transfer medium, the transferability of the retransfer layer can be improved.

The second release layer may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the second release layer include polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, vinyl resins, (meth)acrylic resins, imide resins, cellulose resins, styrene resins, polycarbonates and ionomer resins.

The second release layer may contain the release material and the additive.

The second release layer is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid onto the second substrate or the like by the above coating means to form a coating film, and applying the coating liquid. It can be formed by drying.

(Second protective layer)
By including the second protective layer on the intermediate transfer medium, the image of the thermal transfer print can be protected.

The second protective layer may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the second protective layer include polyesters, (meth)acrylic resins, epoxy resins, styrene resins, acrylic polyol resins, polyurethanes, ionizing radiation curable resins, and ultraviolet absorbing resins.

The second protective layer may contain the above additive.

The thickness of the second protective layer is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 7 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. This can further improve the durability of the second protective layer.

The second protective layer is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above material in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, and applying the coating liquid onto the second substrate, the second release layer, the second release layer, or the like by the coating means. It can be formed by coating to form a coating film and drying it. Transferability can be improved by providing the intermediate transfer medium with the second release layer.

<Second release layer>
The second release layer is a layer provided between the second base material and the retransfer layer, and is a layer that remains on the second base material during thermal transfer of the intermediate transfer medium.

The second release layer may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the second release layer include (meth)acrylic resins, polyurethanes, acetal resins, polyamides, polyesters, melamine resins, polyol resins, cellulose resins, and silicone resins.

The second release layer may contain at least one release material. Examples of release materials include fluorine compounds, phosphoric acid ester compounds, silicone oils, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, waxes such as paraffin wax, and the like.

The content of the release material in the second release layer is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less. Thereby, the transferability of the retransfer layer can be further improved.

The second release layer may contain the above additive.

The thickness of the second release layer is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less.

The second release layer is formed by dispersing or dissolving the above material in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, and applying it on the second substrate or the like by the above coating means to form a coating film. can be formed by drying

[Thermal transfer printed matter of the first mode]
A thermal transfer printed matter of the first mode includes a transfer material, a general image, and a sublimation transfer color changeable and decolorable image, and the sublimation transfer color changeable and decolorable image is in contact with at least part of the general image. As a result, the thermal transfer print can discolor or decolor the image, and is excellent in design. Such thermal transfer prints can be suitably used for security cards, tickets, and the like.
As used herein, the term "thermal transfer print" refers to a print before the general image is discolored or decolored by the light irradiation.

The thermal transfer print of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a transfer material 51, a melt-transferred general image 52, and a sublimation-transfer changed and decolorized image 53. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the sublimation-transfer changed color-imparting image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 and formed on the transfer-receiving body 51 . As shown in FIG. 7, the general image 52 is formed on the transfer material 51 and the sublimation transfer changed color image 53 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a material to be transferred 51, a melt-transferred general image 52, and a sublimation-transfer changed and decolorized image 53. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, a general image 52 is formed on a transfer material 51 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 and formed on the general image 52 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a transfer material 51, a sublimation transfer general image 52, and a sublimation transfer color change/erasable image 53. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9 , the sublimation transfer discolored and decolored image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 . As shown in FIG. 9, the general image 52 is formed on the transfer-receiving body 51 and the sublimation-transfer changed color-erasing image 53 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a transfer target 51, a sublimation transfer general image 52, and a sublimation transfer changed color-applied image 53. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, a general image 52 is formed on a transfer material 51 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 and formed on the general image 52 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a material to be transferred 51, a melt-transferred general image 52, a sublimation-transfer changed color-erasable image 53, and a protective layer . As shown in FIG. 11, the sublimation-transfer changed color-imparting image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 and is formed on the transfer-receiving body 51 . As shown in FIG. 11, the general image 52 is formed on the transfer material 51 and the sublimation-transfer changed color-erasing image 53 . As shown in FIG. 11, a protective layer 54 is formed over the general image 52 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a material to be transferred 51, a melt-transferred general image 52, a sublimation-transfer changed and decolorized image 53, and a protective layer . As shown in FIG. 12, a general image 52 is formed on a transfer material 51 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 and formed on the general image 52 . As shown in FIG. 12, the protective layer 54 is formed on the general image 52 and the sublimation transfer color change/erasable image 53 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a material to be transferred 51, a sublimation transfer general image 52, a sublimation transfer discolorable image 53, and a protective layer . As shown in FIG. 13 , the sublimation-transfer changed color-imparting image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 and formed on the transfer-receiving body 51 . As shown in FIG. 13, the general image 52 is formed on the transfer material 51 and the sublimation-transferred color-erasable image 53 . As shown in FIG. 13, a protective layer 54 is formed over the general image 52 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a thermal transfer printed material 50 includes a material to be transferred 51, a sublimation transfer general image 52, a sublimation transfer color-changing image 53, and a protective layer . As shown in FIG. 14, a general image 52 is formed on a transfer-receiving body 51 . As shown in FIG. 14 , the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image 53 is in contact with the general image 52 and formed on the general image 52 . As shown in FIG. 12, the protective layer 54 is formed on the general image 52 and the sublimation transfer color change/erasable image 53 .

The layer structure of the thermal transfer print 50 can be appropriately combined.

A thermal transfer print of the first form can be produced using the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

Each layer that can be included in the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment will be described below.

<Subject to transfer>
The material to be transferred included in the thermal transfer print is not particularly limited. Examples of the material to be transferred include paper substrates such as woodfree paper, art paper, coated paper, resin-coated paper, cast-coated paper, cardboard, synthetic paper and impregnated paper, the following resin films, laminates thereof, and cards. and the like.

The thickness of the transferred material is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

<Image with sublimation transfer discoloration>
The sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image of the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment is an image formed by sublimation or diffusion of a discoloration-discoloring compound. As a result, the thermal transfer print has a suppressed unevenness on the surface and is excellent in design.

The sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image of the thermal transfer printed material of the first mode is in contact with at least a part of the general image and contains the discoloration-discoloring compound. The sublimation transfer changeable color-imparting image may be colored or colorless and transparent, but is preferably colorless and transparent.

The sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image of the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment may be formed on the whole or part of the thermal transfer print in the surface direction. The sublimation-transfer color-changing/erasing image may be formed on the general image and/or on the transfer-receiving body entirely or partially.

The sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparted image of the thermal transfer printed material of the first embodiment can be formed from the sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

<General image>
Examples of the general image of the thermal transfer printed matter of the first mode include photographs, characters, patterns, symbols, combinations thereof, and the like. A general image contains the colorant.

The general image of the thermal transfer printed material of the first mode may be formed on the whole or part of the thermal transfer printed material in the planar direction of the thermal transfer printed material. The general image may be formed on all or part of the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image and/or the transfer-receiving material.

The general image of the first form of thermal transfer print can be formed from the colorant layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.
The general image of the first form of thermal transfer print can be formed from the colorant layer of a thermal transfer sheet different from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.
The general image of the thermal transfer printed matter of the first mode can be formed from ink containing a coloring material by an inkjet method.

<Protective layer>
The protective layer of the thermal transfer print of the first form is a layer for protecting the image of the thermal transfer print.
The protective layer may be provided on the side of the general image and/or the sublimation-transfer color-changing/erasing image on the side opposite to the transfer-receiving material. The protective layer may be provided on the outermost surface of the thermal transfer print.

The protective layer of the thermal transfer print of the first mode may contain at least one resin material. Examples of resin materials contained in the protective layer include (meth)acrylic resins, polyesters, cellulose resins, styrene resins, polyamides, polyolefins, vinyl resins, imide resins, polycarbonates, ionomer resins, silicone resins, hydroxyl group-containing resins, thermosetting resins. curable resins and actinic ray curable resins.

The protective layer of the thermal transfer printed matter of the first mode may contain the above additives. The protective layer of the thermal transfer printed matter of the first embodiment may contain the release material.

The content of the resin material in the protective layer of the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment is, for example, 50% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the protective layer of the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 13 μm or less. In one embodiment, the protective layer of the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment may be a single layer or multiple layers.

The protective layer of the thermal transfer print of the first form can be formed from the protective layer and/or release layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

[Method for producing a thermal transfer print according to the first embodiment]
The method for producing a thermal transfer print according to the first embodiment includes the steps of preparing a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure and a transfer material, and placing the general image and the sublimation transfer color-erasable image in contact with the transfer material. , and forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color-changeable image. The sublimation transfer color change color imparting image is formed from the sublimation transfer color change color imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

Each step included in the method for manufacturing a thermal transfer print according to the first embodiment will be described below.

<Preparation process for thermal transfer sheet and transferred material>
A method for manufacturing a thermal transfer print according to the first embodiment includes the steps of preparing a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure and a material to be transferred. Since the method for producing the thermal transfer sheet is as described above, description thereof is omitted here.

Examples of transfer-receiving materials include those described above. The material to be transferred may be commercially available or may be produced by a method such as the T-die method or the inflation method.

<Process of forming general image and sublimation transfer discoloration-imparted image>
A method for producing a thermal transfer print according to the first embodiment includes a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color change/erasure image on a transfer material such that the general image and the sublimation transfer color change color/erasure image are in contact with each other. In the image forming process, the sublimation transfer color change-imparting image is formed from the sublimation transfer color change color-imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the image forming step is a step of forming a general image on a transfer-receiving body, and then forming a sublimation-transfer color-changing/erasable image on the general image.
In one embodiment, the image forming step is a step of forming a sublimation transfer color change-applied image on a transfer material, and then forming a general image on the sublimation transfer color change-applied image.

General image formation may be performed using the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, or may be performed using a thermal transfer sheet different from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure. The general image may be formed from the colorant layer included in the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, or may be separately formed from a thermal transfer sheet or the like including a colorant layer.
The formation of general images may be carried out by sublimation transfer or melt transfer.
A general image may be formed by an inkjet method using an ink containing a coloring material.
The formation of the general image and the sublimation transfer discolored/erasable image can be performed by a conventionally known method using a commercially available thermal transfer printer, ink jet printer, or the like.

[First form of color-changing and decoloring print]
A color-changing print of the first embodiment includes a transfer material and a color-changing and erasing part.
As used herein, the term "discolored and decolorized print" refers to a printed matter after a general image has been discolored or decolored by the light irradiation.

In one embodiment, the color-changeable portion of the color-changeable print of the first embodiment contains a reaction product of a colorant and a color-changeable compound.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the decolorizing print will be described with reference to the drawings.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a color-changeable and erasable print material 60 includes a transfer-receiving body 61, a color-changeable and erasable portion 62, and a melt-transferred general image 63. As shown in FIG. The color-changed/erased portion 62 and the general image 63 are formed on the transfer-receiving body 61 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a color-changing print material 60 includes a transfer-receiving body 61, a color-changing and erasing portion 62, and a general image 63 of sublimation transfer. The color-changed/erased portion 62 and the general image 63 are formed on the transfer-receiving body 61 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, a color-changeable and erasable print 60 includes a transfer-receiving body 61, a color-changeable and erasable portion 62, a melt-transferred general image 63, and a protective layer 64. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the color-changed/erased portion 62 and the general image 63 are formed on the transfer-receiving body 61 . As shown in FIG. 17, the protective layer 64 is formed on the discolored portion 62 and the general image 63 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, a color-changing print material 60 includes a transfer-receiving body 61, a color-changing and erasing portion 62, a sublimation-transferred general image 63, and a protective layer 64. FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the color-changed/erased portion 62 and the general image 63 are formed on the transfer-receiving body 61 . As shown in FIG. 18, the protective layer 64 is formed on the discolored portion 62 and the general image 63 .

The color-changing and erasable print material 60 may have a sublimation-transfer color-changing and erasable image between the transfer-receiving body 61 and the general image 63 and/or on the side of the general image 63 opposite to the transfer-receiving body 61 . (not shown).

The layer structure of the color-changing print 60 can be appropriately combined.

The color change print of the first mode can be produced using the thermal transfer print of the first mode.

Each layer that can be included in the color-changeable print of the first embodiment will be described below.

<Subject to transfer>
As the transfer-receiving material for the color-changing print of the first embodiment, the transfer-receiving material described in the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment can be used.

The discoloration/discoloration transfer layer can be formed from the transfer layer of the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment.

<Changed color part>
The discolored/discolored portion is a portion where the general image is discolored or discolored by the light irradiation.

In one embodiment, the discoloration/discoloration portion includes a reaction product of a coloring material contained in the general image and a discoloration/discoloration compound contained in the sublimation transfer discoloration/discoloration imparted image. The reaction product includes, for example, a reaction product between a colorant and a color-change-erasing compound caused by the light irradiation or the heat treatment, and/or a colorant-initiated reaction of the color-change-erasing compound. is decomposed, destroyed, or polymerized.

<Image with sublimation transfer discoloration>
The sublimation transfer color-changeable image of the color-changeable transfer layer contains the sublimable or diffusible color-changeable compound. The color-changing/erasing compound contained in the sublimation transfer color-changing/erasing image is, for example, an unreacted component that has not reacted with the colorant due to the light irradiation.

The sublimation-transfer color-erasable image of the color-changeable print of the first embodiment may be formed on a general image and/or a transfer-receiving material.

The sublimation transfer color-changeable image of the first type of color-changeable print can be formed from the first type of sublimation transfer color-changeable image of the thermal transfer print.

<General image>
Examples of general images for the color-changing/erasable transfer layer include photographs, characters, patterns, symbols, combinations thereof, and the like. A general image of the color-changing/erasable transfer layer contains the colorant. The colorant contained in the general image is, for example, an unreacted component that has not reacted with the discoloration-erasable compound upon irradiation with light.

The general image of the color-changeable print material of the first embodiment may be formed on the sublimation-transfer color-changeable image and/or the transfer-receiving material.

The general image of the first type of decolorizable print can be formed from the general image of the first type of thermal transfer print.

<Protective layer>
The protective layer of the color-changing printed matter of the first embodiment may be provided on the side of the color-changing and erasing portion opposite to the transfer-receiving body. The protective layer may be provided on the outermost surface of the color-changing print.
As the protective layer of the color-changing print of the first embodiment, the protective layer described in the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment can be used.

[Manufacturing method of discoloration print of first embodiment]
A method for producing a color-changing print of the first embodiment comprises a step of preparing a thermal transfer print of the first mode, and a predetermined strength from the side of a general image and a sublimation transfer color-changing image of the thermal transfer print of the first mode. and a light irradiation step of irradiating the general image with light for a predetermined period of time to change the color of the general image.

Each step included in the method for producing a color-changing printed matter of the first embodiment will be described below.

<Preparation process for thermal transfer print>
A method for producing a discolorable print of the first embodiment includes a step of preparing a thermal transfer print of the first embodiment. Since the method for producing the thermal transfer print is as described above, the description is omitted here.

<Light irradiation process>
In one embodiment, the method for producing a discolorable printed material of the first embodiment includes a light irradiation step of irradiating a light beam of a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time from the side of the thermal transfer printed material of the first embodiment to discolor and decolor a general image. include. Irradiation with a light beam of a predetermined intensity for a predetermined time includes, for example, irradiation with a xenon lamp at an irradiation intensity of 0.1 W/m ² or more for 0.1 seconds or more.
As shown in FIG. 19, the thermal transfer printed matter 50 is irradiated with light, so that a portion of the general image 53 is discolored or decolored to form a discolored/discolored portion 62 . As a result, the discolorable print 60 can be manufactured. In FIG. 19, (A) is a plan view of the thermal transfer print 50, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the thermal transfer print 50, (C) is a plan view of the discolorable print 60, and (D ) is a cross-sectional view of the discolored print 60. FIG.

The light irradiation intensity is preferably 0.1 W/m ² or more and 5 W/m ² or less, more preferably 0.1 W/m ² or more and 3 W/m ² or less. As a result, the discolored/discolored portion can be formed satisfactorily.

The light irradiation time is preferably 0.1 second or more and 2160 hours or less, more preferably 1 second or more and 720 hours or less, and still more preferably 1 hour or more and 240 hours or less. As a result, the discolored/discolored portion can be formed satisfactorily.

[Thermal Transfer Printed Matter of Second Form]
The thermal transfer printed matter of the second embodiment includes a transfer material and a retransfer layer, and the retransfer layer includes at least a receiving layer, a general image, and a sublimation transfer color-changing/erasing image. In the thermal transfer printed material of the second embodiment, the sublimation transfer discolored and decolored image is in contact with at least part of the general image. With these, the thermal transfer printed matter can discolor or decolor the general image. Such thermal transfer prints can be suitably used for security cards, tickets, and the like.

The thermal transfer printed matter of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the thermal transfer printed material 70 includes a material to be transferred 71 and a retransfer layer 72. The retransfer layer 72 includes a melt transfer general image 73 and a sublimation transfer transformation image. A decolorizing image 74 and a receiving layer 75 are provided. As shown in FIG. 20 , the sublimation transfer discolored and decolored image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 . As shown in FIG. 20 , the receiving layer 75 is provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transferred material 71 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the thermal transfer print 70 includes a transfer receiving material 71 and a retransfer layer 72. The retransfer layer 72 includes a melt transfer general image 73 and a sublimation transfer transformation image. A decolorizing image 74 and a receiving layer 75 are provided. As shown in FIG. 21 , the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 and is provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transferred body 71 . As shown in FIG. 21, the receiving layer 75 is provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transfer receiving material 71 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the thermal transfer print 70 includes a transfer receiving material 71 and a retransfer layer 72. The retransfer layer 72 includes a sublimation transfer general image 73 and a sublimation transfer image. A decolorizing image 74 and a receiving layer 75 are provided. As shown in FIG. 22 , the sublimation transfer discolored and decolored image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 . As shown in FIG. 22 , the general image 73 and the sublimation-transfer discolored/erasable image 74 are formed on the receiving layer 75 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the thermal transfer printed material 70 includes a material to be transferred 71 and a retransfer layer 72. The retransfer layer 72 includes a sublimation transfer general image 73 and a sublimation transfer image. A decolorizing image 74 and a receiving layer 75 are provided. As shown in FIG. 23 , the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 and is provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transferred body 71 . As shown in FIG. 23, a general image 73 and a sublimation-transfer changed and decolorized image 74 are formed on a receiving layer 75 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the thermal transfer print 70 includes a transfer material 71 and a retransfer layer 72, the retransfer layer 72 comprising a melt transfer general image 73 and a sublimation transfer transformation image. It includes an erasable image 74 , a receiving layer 75 and a protective layer 76 . As shown in FIG. 24 , the sublimation transfer discolored and decolored image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 . As shown in FIG. 24, the receiving layer 75 is provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transfer receiving material 71 . As shown in FIG. 24, the protective layer 76 is provided on the opposite side of the receiving layer 75 from the general image 73 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the thermal transfer printed material 70 includes a material to be transferred 71 and a retransfer layer 72. The retransfer layer 72 comprises a melt-transferred general image 73 and a sublimation transfer modified image. A decolorization imparting image 74 , a receiving layer 75 and a protective layer 76 are provided. As shown in FIG. 25 , the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 and provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transfer-receiving body 71 . As shown in FIG. 25, the receiving layer 75 is provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transfer receiving material 71 . As shown in FIG. 25, the protective layer 76 is provided on the opposite side of the receiving layer 75 from the general image 73 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the thermal transfer printed material 70 includes a material to be transferred 71 and a retransfer layer 72. The retransfer layer 72 includes a sublimation transfer general image 73 and a sublimation transfer image. A decolorization imparting image 74 , a receiving layer 75 and a protective layer 76 are provided. As shown in FIG. 26 , the sublimation transfer discolored and decolored image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 . As shown in FIG. 26, the receiving layer 75 is provided on the side of the general image 73 opposite to the transfer receiving material 71 . As shown in FIG. 26, the protective layer 76 is provided on the opposite side of the receiving layer 75 from the general image 73 . As shown in FIG. 26 , the general image 73 and the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparted image 74 are formed on the receiving layer 75 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the thermal transfer printed material 70 includes a material to be transferred 71 and a retransfer layer 72. The retransfer layer 72 includes a sublimation transfer general image 73 and a sublimation transfer image. A decolorization imparting image 74 , a receiving layer 75 and a protective layer 76 are provided. As shown in FIG. 27 , the sublimation transfer color-changing/erasing image 74 is in contact with the general image 73 and is provided on the opposite side of the general image 73 to the transfer-receiving body 71 . As shown in FIG. 27, the receiving layer 75 is provided on the side of the general image 73 opposite to the transfer-receiving body 71 . As shown in FIG. 27, the protective layer 76 is provided on the opposite side of the receiving layer 75 from the general image 73 . As shown in FIG. 27 , the general image 73 and the sublimation-transfer discolored/erasable image 74 are formed on the receiving layer 75 .

The layer structure of the thermal transfer print 70 described above can be combined as appropriate.

A second form of thermal transfer print can be produced using a combination of the thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure.

Each layer that can be included in the thermal transfer print of the second embodiment will be described below.

<Subject to transfer>
As the transfer-receiving body of the thermal transfer print of the second mode, the transfer-receiving body described in the thermal transfer print of the first mode can be used.

<Retransfer layer>
The transfer layer of the thermal transfer printed matter is a layer including at least a receiving layer, a general image, and a sublimation transfer color change/erasure image. The receiving layer may be provided on the opposite side of the general image to the transfer-receiving material.
The transfer layer of the thermal transfer printed matter may be provided with a protective layer on the opposite side of the receiving layer to the general image and/or the sublimation transfer color-changing/erasing image. The protective layer may be provided on the outermost surface of the thermal transfer print.

The retransfer layer of the thermal transfer print can be formed from the retransfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium combination of the present disclosure.

(receptive layer)
The receiving layer of the thermal transfer printed matter is a layer on which a general image and/or a sublimation transfer discolored/erasable image is formed.

The receiving layer of the thermal transfer print may contain at least one resin material. Examples of the resin material contained in the receiving layer include polyolefin, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, styrene resins, epoxies. Examples include resins, polyurethanes and ionomer resins.

The content of the resin material in the receptive layer of the thermal transfer print is preferably 80% by mass or more and 99.5% by mass or less, more preferably 85% by mass or more and 99% by mass, based on the total components contained in the receptive layer. It is below.

The receiving layer of the thermal transfer print may contain the above additives.

The thickness of the receiving layer of the thermal transfer print is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

The receiving layer of the thermal transfer print can be formed from the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium of the thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium combination of the present disclosure.

(Image with sublimation transfer discoloration)
The sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image of the second type of thermal transfer print is an image formed by sublimation or diffusion of a discoloration-discoloring compound. As a result, the thermal transfer print has a suppressed unevenness on the surface and is excellent in design.

The sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image of the thermal transfer print of the second form is in contact with at least a part of the general image and contains the discoloration-discoloring compound. The sublimation transfer changeable color-imparting image may be colored or colorless and transparent, but is preferably colorless and transparent.

The sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image of the thermal transfer print of the second embodiment may be formed entirely or partially in the surface direction of the thermal transfer print. The sublimation transfer color-changing/erasing image may be formed on the general image and/or the receiving layer entirely or partially.

The sublimation transfer color decoloration imparting image of the second embodiment of the thermal transfer print can be formed from the sublimation transfer type color decoloration imparting layer of the intermediate transfer medium in the combination of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure and the intermediate transfer medium.

(general image)
Examples of the general image of the thermal transfer print of the second type include photographs, letters, patterns, symbols, and combinations thereof. A general image contains the colorant.

The general image of the second type of thermal transfer print may be formed on the whole or part of the thermal transfer print in the surface direction. The general image may be formed on all or part of the sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image and/or the receiving layer.

The general image of the second form of thermal transfer print can be formed from the colorant layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the thermal transfer sheet/intermediate transfer medium combination of the present disclosure.
The general image of the second form of thermal transfer print can be formed from a combination of colorant layers of the thermal transfer sheet that differs from the combination of thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure.
The general image of the thermal transfer printed matter of the second mode can be formed from ink containing a coloring material by an inkjet method.

(protective layer)
As the protective layer of the thermal transfer print of the second embodiment, the protective layer described in the thermal transfer print of the first embodiment can be used.

[Method for producing a thermal transfer print according to the second embodiment]

In one embodiment, the method for producing a thermal transfer print according to the second embodiment includes the steps of preparing a combination of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure and an intermediate transfer medium, and a transfer-receiving material; a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color change-applied image so that the general image and the sublimation transfer color change-applied image are in contact with each other; transferring a retransfer layer comprising at least a imparted image; The general image is formed from the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet combination of the present disclosure, and the sublimation transfer color change-imparting image is formed from the sublimation transfer color change-imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet combination of the present disclosure.

Each step included in the method for manufacturing a thermal transfer print according to the second embodiment will be described below.

<Combination of Thermal Transfer Sheet and Intermediate Transfer Medium and Preparing Process for Transfer Material>
In one embodiment, the method of manufacturing a thermal transfer print according to the second embodiment includes the steps of preparing a combination of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure and an intermediate transfer medium, and a transfer receiving material. Since the method for producing the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium in the combination is as described above, the description is omitted here.

Examples of transfer-receiving materials include those described above. The material to be transferred may be commercially available or may be produced by a method such as the T-die method or the inflation method.

<Process of forming general image and sublimation transfer discoloration-imparted image>
In one embodiment, the method for producing a thermal transfer print according to the second embodiment includes applying a general image and a sublimation transfer color change-erasable image to a receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium so that the general image and the sublimation transfer color change-erasable image are in contact with each other. forming an image. In the image forming process, a sublimation transfer color change imparting image is formed from the sublimation transfer color change imparting layer of the combination thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the image forming step is a step of forming a general image on a receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium, and then forming a sublimation transfer color erasable image on the general image.
In one embodiment, the image forming step is a step of forming a sublimation transfer color erasable image on a receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium, and then forming a general image on the sublimation transfer color erasable image.

General image formation may be performed using the thermal transfer sheet combinations of the present disclosure, or may be performed using thermal transfer sheets different from the thermal transfer sheet combinations of the present disclosure. The general image may be formed from the colorant layer included in the combined thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, or may be separately formed from a thermal transfer sheet or the like including the colorant layer.
The formation of general images may be carried out by sublimation transfer or melt transfer.
A general image may be formed by an inkjet method using an ink containing a coloring material.
The formation of the general image and the sublimation transfer discolored/erasable image can be performed by a conventionally known method using a commercially available thermal transfer printer, ink jet printer, or the like.

<Transfer process of retransfer layer>
In one embodiment, the method for producing a thermal transfer print according to the second embodiment includes the step of transferring a retransfer layer comprising at least a receiving layer, a general image, and a sublimation-transfer color-erasable image to a transfer-receiving material. include.
Transfer can be performed by a conventionally known method using a commercially available thermal transfer printer or the like.

[Second form of discolored print]
The color-changeable print material of the second embodiment includes a transfer material and a color-changeable and decolorable retransfer layer, and the color-changeable and decolorable retransfer layer includes at least a receiving layer and a color change-and-erasable portion.

The second embodiment of the decolorizing print will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, a color-changing and erasable printed material 80 includes a transfer-receiving body 81 and a color-change and erasure retransfer layer 82, and the color-change and erasure retransfer layer 82 is a It comprises a portion 83 , a melt transfer general image 84 and a receiving layer 85 . As shown in FIG. 28 , the receiving layer 85 is provided on the opposite side of the transfer-receiving material 81 to the color-changed/erased portion 83 and the general image 84 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, a color-changing and erasing printed material 80 includes a material to be transferred 81 and a color-changing and erasing retransfer layer 82, and the color-changing and erasing retransfer layer 82 is a It comprises a part 83 , a sublimation transfer general image 84 , and a receiving layer 85 . As shown in FIG. 29 , the receiving layer 85 is provided on the opposite side of the transfer-receiving material 81 from the color-changed/erased portion 83 and the general image 84 . As shown in FIG. 29, the color change/discoloration portion 83 and the general image 84 are formed on the receiving layer 85 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, a color-changing and erasable printed material 80 includes a material to be transferred 81 and a color-changing and erasing retransfer layer 82, and the color-changing and erasing retransfer layer 82 is a It comprises a portion 83 , a melt transfer general image 84 , a receiving layer 85 and a protective layer 86 . As shown in FIG. 30 , the receiving layer 85 is provided on the opposite side of the transfer-receiving material 81 from the color-changed/erased portion 83 and the general image 84 . As shown in FIG. 30, the protective layer 86 is provided on the opposite side of the receptive layer 85 to the discoloration/discoloration portion 83 and the general image 84 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, a color-changing and erasable printed material 80 includes a transfer-receiving body 81 and a color-change and erasure retransfer layer 82, and the color-change and erasure retransfer layer 82 is a It comprises a part 83 , a sublimation transfer general image 84 , a receiving layer 85 and a protective layer 86 . As shown in FIG. 31 , the receiving layer 85 is provided on the opposite side of the transfer-receiving material 81 from the color-changed/erased portion 83 and the general image 84 . As shown in FIG. 31, the protective layer 86 is provided on the opposite side of the receptive layer 85 to the discolored portion 83 and the general image 84 . As shown in FIG. 31 , the receiving layer 85 is provided on the opposite side of the transfer-receiving material 81 from the color-changed/erased portion 83 and the general image 84 . As shown in FIG. 31, the color change/discoloration portion 83 and the general image 84 are formed on the receiving layer 85 .

The color-changing retransfer layer 82 of the color-changing print 80 is provided between the transfer material 81 and the general image 84 and/or between the general image 84 and the receiving layer 85 with the sublimation transfer color-changing image. (not shown).

The layer structure of the color-changing print 80 can be appropriately combined.

The second type of color change print can be produced using the second type of thermal transfer print.

Each layer that can be included in the color-changeable print of the second embodiment will be described below.

<Subject to transfer>
As the transfer-receiving material for the color-changing print of the second embodiment, the transfer-receiving material described in the second embodiment of the thermal transfer print can be used.

<Discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer>
The discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer includes at least a receiving layer and a discoloration/discoloration portion. The receiving layer may be provided on the opposite side of the transfer-receiving material to the color-changing/discoloring area.
The color change/discoloration retransfer layer may further comprise a general image and/or a sublimation transfer color change/discoloration image.
The discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer may include a protective layer on the opposite side of the receiving layer to the discoloration/discoloration portion. The protective layer may be provided on the outermost surface of the thermal transfer print.

The discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer can be formed from the retransfer layer of the thermal transfer print of the second embodiment.

(receptive layer)
A general image and/or a sublimation-transfer color-changeable image may be formed on the receiving layer of the color-changeable print.

The receiving layer of the decolorizable print may contain at least one resin material. Examples of the resin material contained in the receiving layer include polyolefin, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, styrene resins, epoxies. Examples include resins, polyurethanes and ionomer resins.

The content of the resin material in the receptive layer of the discolored print is preferably 80% by mass or more and 99.5% by mass or less, more preferably 85% by mass or more and 99% by mass, based on the total components contained in the receptive layer. % by mass or less.

The receptive layer of the discolorable print may contain the above additives.

The thickness of the receptive layer of the discolored print is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

(Discoloration part)
The discolored/discolored portion is a portion where the general image is discolored or discolored by the light irradiation.

In one embodiment, the discoloration/discoloration portion includes a reaction product of a coloring material contained in the general image and a discoloration/discoloration compound contained in the sublimation transfer discoloration/discoloration imparted image. The reaction product includes, for example, a reaction product between a colorant and a color-change-erasing compound caused by the light irradiation or the heat treatment, and/or a colorant-initiated reaction of the color-change-erasing compound. is decomposed, destroyed, or polymerized.

(Image with sublimation transfer discoloration)
The sublimation-transfer color-change-applied image of the color-change retransfer layer contains the sublimable or diffusible color-change-discoloration compound. The color-changing/erasing compound contained in the color-changing/erasing image is, for example, an unreacted component that has not reacted with the colorant due to the light irradiation.

The sublimation-transfer color-erasable image of the color-changeable print of the second embodiment may be formed on the general image and/or the receiving layer.

The sublimation transfer color change-applied image of the second form of the color change print can be formed from the second form of the thermal transfer print color change image.

(general image)
Examples of general images for the discolored/erasable retransfer layer include photographs, characters, patterns, symbols, and combinations thereof. A general image of the discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer contains the above colorant. The colorant contained in the general image is, for example, an unreacted component that has not reacted with the discoloration-erasable compound upon irradiation with light.

The general image of the color-changeable print of the second embodiment may be formed on the sublimation transfer color-changeable image and/or the receiving layer.

The general image of the second type of color change print can be formed from the general image of the second type of thermal transfer print.

(protective layer)
The protective layer of the color-changing print of the second embodiment may be provided on the side of the color-changing and erasing portion opposite to the transfer-receiving body. The protective layer may be provided on the outermost surface of the color-changing print.
As the protective layer of the color-changing print of the second embodiment, the protective layer described in the thermal transfer print of the second embodiment can be used.

[Manufacturing method of discoloration print of second embodiment]
The second embodiment of the process for producing a color-changing printed material includes the steps of preparing the second thermal transfer printed material, and irradiating the retransfer layer side of the second thermal transfer printed material with a light beam of a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time. and a light irradiation step of changing and decoloring the general image.

Each step included in the second embodiment of the method for producing a color-changing printed matter will be described below.

<Preparation process for thermal transfer print>
A second embodiment of a method for producing a color-changing print includes a step of preparing a second embodiment of a thermal transfer print. Since the method for producing the thermal transfer print is as described above, the description is omitted here.

<Light irradiation process>
In one embodiment, the second embodiment of the method for producing a color-changing and decoloring print is to irradiate a light beam of a predetermined intensity from the retransfer layer side of the second embodiment of the thermal transfer print for a predetermined period of time to change and decolor a general image. A light irradiation step is included. Irradiation with a light beam of constant intensity for a predetermined period of time includes, for example, irradiation with a xenon lamp for 0.1 seconds or more at an irradiation intensity of 0.1 W/m ² or more.
As shown in FIG. 32, the thermal transfer printed material 70 is irradiated with light, so that a part of the general image 73 is discolored or decolored to form a discolored/discolored portion 83 . As a result, the discolorable printed matter 80 can be manufactured. In FIG. 32, (A) is a plan view of the thermal transfer print 70, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the thermal transfer print 70, (C) is a plan view of the discolorable print 80, and (D ) is a cross-sectional view of the discolored print 70. FIG.

The light irradiation intensity is preferably 0.1 W/m ² or more and 5 W/m ² or less, more preferably 0.1 W/m ² or more and 3 W/m ² or less. As a result, the discolored/discolored portion can be formed satisfactorily.

The light irradiation time is preferably 0.1 second or more and 2160 hours or less, more preferably 1 second or more and 720 hours or less, and still more preferably 1 hour or more and 240 hours or less. As a result, the discolored/discolored portion can be formed satisfactorily.

An embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet, a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium, a thermal transfer printed matter, a method for producing a thermal transfer printed matter, a color-changeable print, and a method for producing a color-changeable print according to the present disclosure will be described below. indicates The thermal transfer sheet, the combination of the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium, the thermal transfer print, the method for producing the thermal transfer print, the discolorable print, and the method for producing the discolorable print, according to these embodiments. It is not limited.

The present disclosure is a thermal transfer sheet comprising a base material and a sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer provided on one side of the base material,
The sublimation transfer type discoloration-imparting layer is a thermal transfer sheet containing at least a discoloration-discoloration compound and a binder resin.

In one embodiment, the decolorizing compound comprises an acid generator.

In one embodiment, the acid generator is a nonionic acid generator.

In one embodiment, the nonionic acid generator is a triazine compound.

In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the color-changing compound is 1000 or less.

In one embodiment, the solid content of the discoloration/discoloration compound is 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less with respect to all components contained in the sublimation transfer type discoloration/discoloration imparting layer.

The present disclosure is a thermal transfer printed matter comprising a transfer material, a general image, and an image imparted with sublimation transfer color change and erasure,
The sublimation transfer color-changeable image is a thermal transfer print in which the image is in contact with at least a part of the general image and contains a color-changeable and erasable compound.

In one embodiment, a thermal transfer print is produced using the above thermal transfer sheet.

The present disclosure provides a method for producing the thermal transfer print,
a step of preparing the thermal transfer sheet and the object to be transferred;
a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color change-and-decoloration image on a transfer material so that the general image and the sublimation transfer color change-and-color change image are in contact with each other;
including
A method for producing a thermal transfer print, wherein a sublimation transfer color change/erasable image is formed from a sublimation transfer color change/erasure layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

The present disclosure is a discolorable and decolorable printed material comprising a transfer material and a discolorable and decolorable portion,
The discoloration/discoloration printed matter includes a discoloration/discoloration portion containing a reaction product of a coloring material and a discoloration/discoloration compound.

In one embodiment, the discolorable print is produced using the thermal transfer print.

The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing the above-described discolorable printed matter,
a step of preparing the thermal transfer print;
A light irradiation step of irradiating a light beam of a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time from the side of the general image and sublimation transfer color change-and-decoloration imparted image of the thermal transfer printed matter to change the color and color of the general image;
A method for producing a discolored printed matter, comprising:

The present disclosure is a combination of the above thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium,
an intermediate transfer medium comprising at least a substrate and a retransfer layer;
A retransfer layer is a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium comprising at least a receiving layer.

The present disclosure is a thermal transfer printed material comprising a material to be transferred and a retransfer layer,
The retransfer layer comprises at least a receiving layer, a general image, and a sublimation transfer discoloration-imparting image,
The sublimation transfer color-changeable image is a thermal transfer print in which the image is in contact with at least a part of the general image and contains a color-changeable and erasable compound.

In one embodiment, a thermal transfer print is produced using a combination of the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium.

The present disclosure provides a method for producing the thermal transfer print,
preparing a combination of the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium, and a transfer-receiving material;
a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color changeable and decolorable image on a receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium so that the general image and the sublimation transfer color changeable and decolorable image are in contact with each other;
a step of transferring a retransfer layer comprising at least a receiving layer, a general image, and an image imparted with sublimation transfer color change and erasure to a transfer material;
including
A method for producing a thermal transfer print, wherein a sublimation transfer color change/erasable image is formed from a sublimation transfer color change/erasure layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

The present disclosure is a discolorable printed material comprising a transfer material and a discolorable and decolorable retransfer layer,
The discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer includes at least a receiving layer and a discoloration/discoloration portion,
The discoloration/discoloration printed matter includes a discoloration/discoloration portion containing a reaction product of a coloring material and a discoloration/discoloration compound.

In one embodiment, the discolorable print is produced using the thermal transfer print.

The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing the above-described discolorable printed matter,
a step of preparing the thermal transfer print;
A light irradiation step of irradiating a light beam of a predetermined intensity from the retransfer layer side of the thermal transfer print for a predetermined time to change the color of the general image;
A method for producing a discolored printed matter, comprising:

EXAMPLES Next, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to Examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these Examples. In the following, for materials with a solid content ratio, the content before conversion to solid content is shown.

[Example 1]
A PET film with a thickness of 4.5 μm is prepared as a substrate, and a primer layer coating solution having the following composition is applied to a part of one surface of this substrate, dried, and the thickness is 0. A primer layer of 0.10 μm was formed.
<Coating solution for primer layer>
・ Aluminasol 3 parts by mass (Nissan Chemical Co., Ltd., Aluminasol 200)
・Vinyl acetate-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer 7 parts by mass (PVP/VA E-335, manufactured by ISP Japan Co., Ltd.)
・Water 100 parts by mass ・Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) 100 parts by mass

Next, on the primer layer, coating solutions A to C for colorant layers having the following compositions were applied in a plane-sequential manner by a wire coating method and dried to form colorant layers A to C each having a thickness of 0.6 μm. formed. <Coating liquid A for color material layer>
・ Disperse Yellow 201 4 parts by mass ・ Polyvinyl acetal 3.5 parts by mass (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., S-Lec (registered trademark) KS-5)
・MEK 46.65 parts by mass ・Toluene 46.65 parts by mass <Coating solution B for color material layer>
・Disperse Red 60G 2 parts by mass ・Disperse Violet 26 2 parts by mass ・Disperse Red 343 2 parts by mass ・Polyvinyl acetal 3.5 parts by mass (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., S-Lec (registered trademark) KS-5)
・MEK 46.65 parts by mass ・Toluene 46.65 parts by mass <Coating solution C for color material layer>
・Solvent Blue 63 3.5 parts by mass ・Disperse Blue 354 1 part by mass ・Polyvinyl acetal 3.5 parts by mass (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., S-Lec (registered trademark) KS-5)
・MEK 46.65 parts by mass ・Toluene 46.65 parts by mass

Next, on the primer layer, a coating solution for a sublimation transfer type change color imparting layer having the following composition is applied so as to be face-sequential with the coloring material layer, and dried to obtain a sublimation transfer layer having a thickness of 0.6 μm. A mold discoloration/discoloration imparting layer was formed.
<Coating solution for sublimation transfer type color-change imparting layer>
・ Polyvinyl acetal 3.5 parts by mass (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., S-Lec (registered trademark) KS-6Z)
- Triazine compound A (2-(4-methoxystyryl)-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine) 3.5 parts by mass (Midori Chemical Co., Ltd., TAZ-110, molecular weight 448, non-ionic,)
・MEK 46.65 parts by mass ・Toluene 46.65 parts by mass

Next, the following release layer coating liquid was applied so as to be face-sequential with the coloring material layer, and dried to form a release layer having a thickness of 1 μm.

<Coating solution for release layer>
・ Acrylic resin 40 parts by mass (LP-45M manufactured by Soken Chemical Co., Ltd.)
・MEK 30 parts by mass ・Toluene 30 parts by mass

Next, an adhesive layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied onto the release layer and dried to form an adhesive layer having a thickness of 1 μm, thereby forming a protective layer in which the release layer and the adhesive layer were laminated.
<Coating solution for adhesive layer>
・ Polyester 30 parts by mass (Byron (registered trademark) 200, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.)
・ Ultraviolet absorber 2 parts by mass (BASF Japan Co., Ltd., Tinuvin928)
・MEK 34 parts by mass ・Toluene 34 parts by mass

Next, a backing layer coating solution having the following composition was applied to the surface of the PET film opposite to the surface on which the discoloration imparting layer was formed, followed by drying to form a backing layer having a thickness of 1 μm, and a thermal transfer sheet. Obtained.
<Coating solution for back layer>
・ Polyvinyl butyral 3.6 parts by mass (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., S-Lec (registered trademark) BX-1)
- Polyisocyanate 8.4 parts by mass (Barnock (registered trademark) D750, manufactured by DIC Corporation)
· Phosphate ester surfactant 2.8 parts by mass (Plysurf (registered trademark) A208N, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.)
・ Talc 0.6 parts by mass (Micro Ace (registered trademark) P-3, manufactured by Nippon Talc Industry Co., Ltd.)
・Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) 42.3 parts by mass ・Toluene 42.3 parts by mass

[Examples 2 to 10, Comparative Example 1]
A thermal transfer sheet was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the composition of each layer constituting the thermal transfer sheet was changed as shown in Table 1. In Examples 8 and 9, the color material layer and the sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparting layer are provided on the primer layer of the thermal transfer sheet in the order of the sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparting layer and the color material layer.
Triazine compound B (2-methyl-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine): manufactured by Midori Chemical Co., Ltd., TAZ-100, molecular weight 330, nonionic triazine compound C ( 2-(4-(2-(4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)vinyl)phenoxy)ethanol): manufactured by Midori Chemical Co., Ltd., TAZ-123, molecular weight 478, Nonionic Triazine Compound D (2-(2-(2-furan-2-yl)vinyl)-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine): San Co., Ltd. Wa Chemical Co., Ltd., TFE-triazine, molecular weight 408, nonionic carbamic acid ester compound (cyclohxyl carbamic acid 2-nitrobenzyl ester): Midori Chemical Co., Ltd., NBC-101, molecular weight 278, nonionic Sulfonium salt (triphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate): Midori Chemical Co., Ltd., TPS-105, molecule 412, non-sublimable, ionic, triazine compound E (2-methoxyphenyl-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl )-Z-triazine): Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd., MP-triazine, molecular weight 421.93, nonionic

[Comparative Example 2]
A PET film having a thickness of 4.5 μm was prepared as a substrate, and a primer layer coating solution having the same composition as in Example 1 was applied to a portion of one surface of this substrate, dried, and the thickness was reduced. A primer layer having a thickness of 0.10 μm was formed.

Next, on the primer layer, colorant layer coating solutions A to C having the same composition as in Example 1 were sequentially applied and dried to form colorant layers A to C each having a thickness of 0.6 μm. did.

Next, a release layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied onto the surface of the substrate so as to be face-sequential with the primer layer, and dried to form a release layer having a thickness of 1 μm.
<Coating solution for release layer>
・ Acrylic resin 40 parts by mass (LP-45M manufactured by Soken Chemical Co., Ltd.)
・MEK 30 parts by mass ・Toluene 30 parts by mass

Next, a coating solution for a melt transfer type discoloration imparting layer having the following composition was applied on the release layer and dried to form a discoloration imparting layer having a thickness of 0.7 μm.
<Coating solution for melt transfer type discoloration imparting layer>
・ Polyester 25 parts by mass (Bylon (registered trademark) 700, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.)
・ 0.5 parts by mass of silicon dioxide (Sylysia 310, manufactured by Fuji Silysia Chemical Co., Ltd.)
· Phosphate ester 3 parts by mass (Plysurf (registered trademark) A208N, manufactured by Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)

[Comparative Example 3]
A thermal transfer sheet was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2, except that the composition of each layer constituting the thermal transfer sheet was changed as shown in Table 1.

[Preparation of Intermediate Transfer Medium]
A PET film having a thickness of 12 μm was prepared as the second base material. On one side of this PET film, a release layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied and dried to form a release layer having a thickness of 1.6 μm. A protective layer coating solution having the following composition was applied onto the release layer and dried to form a protective layer having a thickness of 4 μm. A receiving layer coating solution having the following composition was coated on the protective layer and dried to form a receiving layer having a thickness of 2 μm, thereby obtaining an intermediate transfer medium. The release layer, protective layer and receiving layer constitute the retransfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium.

<Coating solution for release layer>
・Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 85 parts by mass (manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Solbin (registered trademark) CNL)
・ (Meth) acrylic resin 15 parts by mass (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd., Banaresin GH-8701)
・ 2 parts by mass of epoxy-modified silicone oil (KP-1800U, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
・MEK 150 parts by mass ・Toluene 150 parts by mass

<Coating solution for protective layer>
・ Polyester 20 parts by mass (Unitika Ltd., Elitel (registered trademark) UE-9885)
・MEK 40 parts by mass ・Toluene 40 parts by mass

<Coating solution for receiving layer>
- Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 95 parts by mass (manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Solbin (registered trademark) CNL, Tg 76 ° C., Mn 16000)
・Epoxy-modified silicone oil 5 parts by mass (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., KP-1800U)
・MEK 200 parts by mass ・Toluene 200 parts by mass

[Preparation of thermal transfer print 1 of the first embodiment]
Using the thermal transfer sheets obtained in Examples 1 to 7, 10 and Comparative Example 1, black printing was performed on an image receiving paper for a thermal transfer printer (DS620) of Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. with the following evaluation printer, A general image was formed. The black print was printed by transferring the coloring material contained in the coloring material layers A to C (0/255 image tone).
<Evaluation printer>
・ Thermal head: F3598 (manufactured by Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Co., Ltd.)
・ Heating element average resistance value: 5015 (Ω)
・Main scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Sub-scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Print power: 0.21 (W/dot)
・Applied voltage: 25.5 (V)
・Line cycle: 2 (msec./line)
・Pulse Duty: 85%

Then, using the above printer and under the conditions (printing power: 0.12, (W/dot)), the sublimation transfer color changing/erasing imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet is sublimated onto the black pattern, and the sublimation transfer color changing/erasing layer is sublimated. The characters "TEST" were formed as an image.

Next, the protective layer is transferred onto the general image and the sublimation transfer color-erasable image using the above printer and under the conditions (printing power: 0.12 (W/dot)) to prepare a thermal transfer print of the first form. did.

The thermal transfer sheets obtained in Examples 8 and 9 were processed in the same manner as described above, except that a sublimation transfer discoloration image (characters "TEST") was formed on the image receiving paper, and then a general image was formed. A first form of thermal transfer print was produced under the conditions of the printer.

For the thermal transfer sheets obtained in Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the melt-transfer type discoloration imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet was melt-transferred onto the black pattern using the printer and under the above conditions, and a melt-transfer discoloration-imparting image "TEST was formed in the same manner as described above, except that a thermal transfer print of the first form was produced.

[Preparation of Thermal Transfer Printed Matter 1 of Second Form]
Using the thermal transfer sheets obtained in Examples 1 to 7 and 10 and Comparative Example 1, a black image was printed on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium by the following evaluation printer to form a general image. The black print was printed by transferring the coloring material contained in the coloring material layers A to C (0/255 image tone).
<Evaluation printer>
・ Thermal head: KEE-57-12GAN-STA (manufactured by Kyocera Corporation)
・ Heating element average resistance value: 3303 (Ω)
・Main scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Sub-scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Print voltage: 18 (V)
・One line cycle: 1.5 (msec.)
・Pulse duty ratio: 85%
・Print start temperature: 35 (°C)

Then, using the printer and under the above conditions, the sublimation transfer type decolorizing layer of the thermal transfer sheet was transferred onto the black pattern to form characters "TEST" as a sublimation transfer decolorizing image.

Next, under the following laminator and under the following conditions, the release layer, protective layer, receiving layer, general image and sublimation transfer discoloration-imparted image provided on the intermediate transfer medium are retransferred to a card having the following composition to form the second embodiment. A thermal transfer print was produced.
<Laminator>
・Laminator: Lamipacker LPD3212 (manufactured by Fujipla)
・Temperature: 145℃
・Speed: 0.8 (set value)
<Card>
・Polyvinyl chloride compound 100 parts by mass (degree of polymerization 800, containing about 10% of additives such as stabilizers)
・ White pigment (titanium oxide) 10 parts by mass ・ Plasticizer (DOP) 0.5 parts by mass

For the thermal transfer sheets obtained in Examples 8 and 9, first, a sublimation transfer discolored image (characters of "TEST") was formed on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium, and then a general image was formed. A second type of thermal transfer print was produced using the same printer, laminator, and conditions as above, except for the above.

For the thermal transfer sheets obtained in Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the melt-transfer type discoloration imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet was melt-transferred onto the black pattern using the printer and under the above conditions, and a melt-transfer discoloration-imparting image "TEST A second type of thermal transfer print was produced in the same manner as described above, except that the characters "" were formed.

<<Evaluation of transferability and designability>>
The thermal transfer prints of the first and second forms obtained above were visually observed, and whether or not the position of the characters "TEST" could be recognized was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. Table 2 shows the evaluation results.
(Evaluation criteria)
A: The sublimation transfer discoloration imparting agent was transferred, and the position of the letters "TEST" could not be recognized. B: The sublimation transfer discoloration imparting agent was transferred, and the position of the letters "TEST" could be recognized from the difference in color.
C: The melt-transfer type color change imparting layer was transferred, and the position of the letters "TEST" could be recognized by an optical difference.
NG: Sublimation-transfer discoloration imparting agent was not transferred.

<<Evaluation of discoloration and decoloration>>
[Preparation of Thermal Transfer Printed Matter 2 of First Form]
Using the thermal transfer sheets obtained in Examples 1 to 3, 10 and Comparative Example 1, black printing was performed on an image receiving paper for a thermal transfer printer (DS620) of Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. with the following evaluation printer, A general image was formed. The black print was printed by transferring the coloring material contained in the coloring material layers A to C (0/255 image tone).
<Evaluation printer>
・ Thermal head: F3598 (manufactured by Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Co., Ltd.)
・ Heating element average resistance value: 5015 (Ω)
・Main scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Sub-scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Print power: 0.21 (W/dot)
・Applied voltage: 25.5 (V)
・Line cycle: 2 (msec./line)
・Pulse Duty: 85%

Next, using the above printer and conditions, a gradation pattern with the transfer energy changed to 0.22 (mJ/dot), 0.165 (mJ/dot), and 0.11 (mJ/dot) was printed on the black pattern. The sublimation transfer type color changing and decoloring imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet was transferred to the thermal transfer sheet.

Then, the protective layer is transferred onto the general image and the sublimation transfer color-erasable image using the above printer and under the conditions (printing power: 0.12 (W/dot)) to obtain the thermal transfer print 2 of the first form. made.

[Preparation of Thermal Transfer Printed Matter 2 of Second Mode]
Using the thermal transfer sheets obtained in Examples 1 to 3 and 10 and Comparative Example 1, black printing was performed on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium with the following evaluation printer to form a general image. The black print was printed by transferring the coloring material contained in the coloring material layers A to C (0/255 image tone).
<Evaluation printer>
・ Thermal head: KEE-57-12GAN-STA (manufactured by Kyocera Corporation)
・ Heating element average resistance value: 3303 (Ω)
・Main scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Sub-scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
・Print voltage: 18 (V)
・One line cycle: 1.5 (msec.)
・Pulse duty ratio: 85%
・Print start temperature: 35 (°C)

Next, using the above printer and conditions, a gradation pattern with the transfer energy changed to 0.22 (mJ/dot), 0.165 (mJ/dot), and 0.11 (mJ/dot) was printed on the black pattern. The sublimation transfer type color changing and decoloring imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet was transferred to the thermal transfer sheet.

Next, under the following laminator and under the following conditions, the release layer, protective layer, receiving layer, general image and sublimation transfer discoloration-imparted image provided on the intermediate transfer medium are retransferred to a card having the following composition to form the second embodiment. A thermal transfer print 2 was produced.
<Laminator>
・Laminator: Lamipacker LPD3212 (manufactured by Fujipla)
・Temperature: 145℃
・Speed: 0.8 (set value)
<Card>
・Polyvinyl chloride compound 100 parts by mass (degree of polymerization 800, containing about 10% of additives such as stabilizers)
・ White pigment (titanium oxide) 10 parts by mass ・ Plasticizer (DOP) 0.5 parts by mass

[evaluation]
In the printed matter immediately after the thermal transfer printed matter 2 of the first and second embodiments, the area where the sublimation transfer type change color imparting layer was transferred was measured using an optical densitometer (manufactured by X-Rite, i1Pro2) as follows. The image density (OD value) was measured under the measurement conditions.
(Measurement condition)
・Density status: Status A
・Light source: D65
・Measurement field of view: 2°
・ Measurement lighting conditions: M0 (ISO 13655-2009)

Hues L*, a* and b* were measured at the locations where the image density was measured (test locations) (L*, a* and b* are CIE1976L*a*b* color system (JIS Z 8729 (1980 published in 2003)), where L* stands for lightness and a* and b* stand for perceptual chromaticity index).

Next, irradiation was performed for 48 hours under the following irradiation conditions using a xenon weather meter (Ci4000 manufactured by Atlas). The image density and hue of the test portion were measured again.
Density change ΔOD and hue change ΔE ^* ab were calculated from the following equations. Table 3 shows the results.
Density change ΔOD = OD value before irradiation - OD value after irradiation Hue change = (L* after irradiation - L* before irradiation) ² + (a* after irradiation - a* before irradiation) ² + (b* after irradiation - Before irradiation b*) ² ) ^1/2
(Irradiation conditions)
・Black panel temperature: 45℃
・ Filter: (Inner) quartz, (Outer) SodaLime + CIRA
・Environment inside test machine: temperature 30°C, humidity 30%
・Irradiation control: UV light with a wavelength of 420 nm is irradiated at 1.2 W/m ² (constant)

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the thermal transfer sheets and the like of the present disclosure are not limited by the description of the above examples, and the above examples and specification are merely for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. , various modifications or improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and any such modifications or improvements shall fall within the scope of the claimed disclosure. Moreover, what is claimed by this disclosure includes not only the recitation of the claims, but also their equivalents.

10: Thermal transfer sheet, 11: Base material (first base material), 12: Color material layer, 13: Sublimation transfer type color change/erasure imparting layer, 14: Protective layer (first protective layer), 30: Thermal transfer sheet and intermediate Combination with transfer medium 40: Intermediate transfer medium 41: Base material (second base material) 42: Retransfer layer 43: Receiving layer (second receiving layer) 50: Thermal transfer print 51: Transferee Body, 52: General image, 53: Sublimation transfer discolored and decolored image, 54: Protective layer, 60: Discolored and decolored printed material, 61: Transferee, 62: Discolored and decolored portion, 63: General image, 64: Protective layer 70: Thermal transfer printed material 71: Receiving material 72: Retransfer layer 73: General image 74: Sublimation transfer color changeable/erasable image 75: Receiving layer 76: Protective layer 80: Changeable/erasable Color printed matter 81: Transferee 82: Discolored retransfer layer 83: Discolored and discolored portion 84: General image 85: Receiving layer 86: Protective layer

Claims (12)

A thermal transfer sheet comprising a base material and a sublimation transfer type color changing/erasing imparting layer provided on one side of the base material,
Thermal transfer, wherein the sublimation transfer type color change/discoloration imparting layer contains at least a color change/discoloration compound having sublimability or diffusibility and a function of discoloring or discoloring a general image, and a binder resin. sheet. 2. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 1, wherein the discoloration-erasable compound contains an acid generator. 3. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 2, wherein the acid generator is a nonionic acid generator. 4. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 3, wherein the nonionic acid generator is a triazine compound. The thermal transfer sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discoloration-erasable compound has a molecular weight of 1,000 or less. 6. The solid content of the discoloration/discoloration compound is 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less with respect to all components contained in the sublimation transfer type discoloration/discoloration imparting layer. 1. The thermal transfer sheet according to item 1. A method for producing a thermal transfer printed matter comprising a material to be transferred, a general image, and an image imparted with sublimation transfer color change and erasure ,
The transfer material has a receiving layer, and the general image and/or the sublimation transfer color-changing/erasing image is formed on the receiving layer,
the general image is a thermal transfer image;
The sublimation-transfer color-erasable image is in contact with at least a part of the general image, has sublimation or diffusibility, and has a function of discoloring or erasing the general image. including
The manufacturing method comprises the steps of: preparing the thermal transfer sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a transfer-receiving material; a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer discoloration imparted image so that they are in contact with each other,
wherein the sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparted image is formed from the sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet;
A method for producing a thermal transfer print. A combination of the thermal transfer sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and an intermediate transfer medium,
the intermediate transfer medium comprises at least a substrate and a retransfer layer;
A thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium combination wherein the retransfer layer comprises at least a receiving layer. A thermal transfer printed material comprising a material to be transferred and a retransfer layer,
The retransfer layer comprises at least a receiving layer, a general image, and a sublimation transfer color-changing and erasing image,
The sublimation-transfer color-erasable image is in contact with at least a part of the general image, has sublimation or diffusibility, and has a function of discoloring or erasing the general image. A thermal transfer print, including A method for producing a thermal transfer print according to claim 9 ,
preparing a combination of the thermal transfer sheet of claim 8 and an intermediate transfer medium, and a transfer receiving material;
a step of forming a general image and a sublimation transfer color decoloration imparted image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium such that the general image and the sublimation transfer color decoloration imparted image are in contact with each other;
a step of transferring a retransfer layer comprising at least the receiving layer, the general image, and the sublimation transfer color change/erasure image to the transfer material;
including
A method for producing a thermal transfer printed matter, wherein the sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparted image is formed from the sublimation transfer color change/discoloration imparting layer of the thermal transfer sheet. A color-changeable and erasable printed material comprising a transfer material and a color-changeable and erasable retransfer layer,
the discoloration/discoloration retransfer layer includes at least a receiving layer and a discoloration/discoloration portion;
The discoloration/discoloration portion contains a reaction product of a coloring material and a discoloration/discoloration compound having sublimation or diffusibility and a function of discoloring or discoloring a general image. prints. 12. A method for producing a color-changing print according to claim 11 ,
A step of preparing a thermal transfer print according to claim 9 ;
A light irradiation step of irradiating a light beam of a predetermined intensity from the retransfer layer side of the thermal transfer print for a predetermined period of time to change the color of the general image;
A method for producing a discolored printed matter, comprising:

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